Mfitz

After reading a ton of threads, I decided on this solution to the challenge of installing bike racks over the tonneau cover. I'm not the first to do it this way here, but it is a less common solution. I mounted permanent Yakima tracks made for truck caps in my bed rails using snaptoggles- the plus nuts didn't work too well due to the perforations in the bed rails and the distance between the top of the rail and the bottom (they work better attaching to thinner surfaces). I then used regular Yakima control towers and round bars. I have three Rockymounts racks on here, but could attach more if needed. I am also dabbling with the idea of mounting a piece of exterior plywood (painted) to the middle section of the bars for a bike wheel carrier, as my racks attach are fork mount and a bunch of wheels rattling around in the bed take up too much space and can get damaged.

The great part is that I can remove the whole rack system with the bike racks still attached in a matter of minutes if I need to haul large or tall stuff in the bed. The cover doesn't really roll up underneath the cross bars well (bummer), but I don't need to do that very often. I used to have a hitch rack which worked well, but I tow a travel trailer and this lets me bring bikes securely mounted in the bed so I have them when I disconnect the trailer. Everything locks- control towers to the truck, racks to the cross bars, and bikes to the racks.

freerider11

I've been thinking of doing something similar. Do you have more details and pictures of exactly how you attached the tracks to the bed rails?

GetWired

There are a few options for covers with built in rails for Yakima or Thule. I needed to also carry a ladder rack so this was the best option I could find.

SilentSteel

NICE...I want to do something similar, but using the Thule Aeroblades. Thanks for the ideas!

Mfitz

I'll try to take some close-up photos tomorrow.

k.b.

LOL, like your EcoBeast rear emblem.

freerider11

What cover options exist with the built in rails?

freerider11

That would be great, thanks.

My only worry would be drilling into the aluminum. And using steel fasteners in the aluminum too...

GetWired

http://www.pace-edwards.com/

The jackrabbit with the explorer rail option or the ultra groove if you don't need the ladder rack.

freerider11

Thanks. And that's the only one I know of. Are there others?